Signet Solar Fabricates Large Thin-Film Silicon PV Module

Signet Solar, a manufacturer of silicon thin-film photovoltaic modules, has announced the fabrication of the industry's first-ever Gen 8.5 (5.7 m2) silicon thin-film solar PV module at its new factory near Dresden, Germany, in a record-setting 10 months from the start of construction.

After finishing construction of the 200,000 square-foot production facility in only seven months, Signet Solar completed installation of equipment and started initial fabrication in less than three months.

Signet Solar's technology lowers the cost of PV modules by combining proven silicon thin film technology, with very large area manufacturing and an industry-standard equipment set, the company explains. The initial modules from the fully automated module manufacturing line met the specification of the product and were confirmed by independent testing by Fraunhofer Institute. Signet will start prototype production in early June and will showcase the Gen 8.5 module product line at the Intersolar Conference in Munich.

‘The concept of ultra-large modules was very attractive to our customers. We now have demonstrated the capability to produce ultra-large modules on a fully integrated line,’ says Dr. Rajeeva Lahri, CEO and founder of Signet Solar Inc. ‘This is a very important milestone for us as it sets the stage for a model manufacturing line which will be replicated globally to expand capacity.’